In 2024, South Korea, one of Asia’s most advanced economies, is grappling with an unexpected crisis: food insecurity. With climate change reshaping traditional agriculture and global supply chains fraying due to geopolitical tensions, South Koreans are paying the price — quite literally — at the grocery store.
South Korea’s agricultural landscape is facing an unprecedented challenge as climate change and international instability converge to threaten the nation’s food security. The country, which boasts technological prowess and economic strength, is struggling to maintain its food self-sufficiency. In fact, South Korea ranks among the lowest in food self-sufficiency within the OECD, with less than 45.8% of its food produced domestically. Reliance on imports for essential staples such as wheat and soybeans has placed the country in a vulnerable position, especially as global supply chains face disruptions from events like the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.
The consequences of these disruptions are already visible: fruit and vegetable prices have surged dramatically, with apples experiencing an 88.2% price increase in 2024. Consumers are feeling the impact, as rising costs influence dietary habits, public health, and the broader economy. Behind these numbers, climate change is driving agricultural shifts, rendering traditional crops like apples and pears increasingly difficult to grow in their usual regions, while tropical fruits slowly take their place in warmer areas like Jeju Island.
South Korea’s Deep Reliance on Global Food Imports
South Korea’s food security challenges are deeply rooted in its low self-sufficiency rate, which has been a persistent issue for years. With a food self-sufficiency rate of just 45.8%, the country ranks among the lowest within the OECD. While South Korea produces a significant portion of its rice needs domestically, it remains heavily dependent on imports for other essential grains, particularly wheat and soybeans. In fact, only about 20% of the country’s grain requirements are met through domestic production. This dependence makes the nation highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
This vulnerability became particularly evident during the Russia-Ukraine war, which severely impacted global grain supplies, leading to price spikes. As one of the world’s top importers of wheat, South Korea faced significant challenges in securing adequate supplies. Furthermore, the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions have also contributed to uncertainty in securing essential food imports, adding further strain on the country’s food system.
In addition to global events, South Korea’s domestic agricultural sector is under strain. Over the past decades, the country has seen a steady decline in arable land as urbanization encroaches on rural areas, shrinking the total area available for farming. At the same time, the aging farming population poses another challenge, as fewer young people are entering the agricultural workforce. This combination of factors has created a perfect storm of decreasing domestic production and increasing reliance on volatile international markets.
The consequences of these vulnerabilities are already being felt by consumers. In 2024, the price of apples rose by an astounding 88.2%, alongside significant increases in the prices of other fruits and vegetables. This surge in food prices is partly due to supply chain disruptions, but it is also tied to domestic agricultural challenges that limit production capacity. These price hikes are not only straining household budgets but are also impacting dietary habits, leading to concerns about long-term public health.
As food prices continue to rise and global supply chains remain unstable, South Korea’s dependence on imports exposes the country to significant risks, making it clear that the current model of food security is increasingly unsustainable.
How Climate Change is Reshaping South Korean Agriculture
South Korea’s agricultural sector is not just facing external pressures from global supply chain disruptions; it is also grappling with the devastating effects of climate change. Over the past few decades, rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have begun to significantly alter the country’s agricultural landscape. Traditional crops, such as apples, pears, and other temperate fruits, which have been mainstays of South Korean agriculture, are increasingly difficult to cultivate under these new conditions.
One of the most noticeable impacts of climate change is the northward shift in crop viability. Historically, regions like Gyeongsang Province have been ideal for apple production, but warmer winters and hotter summers are making it harder for these crops to thrive. By 2070, experts predict that apples will only be cultivable in small, cooler regions like Gangwon Province, effectively phasing out apple farming from much of the country. Similar trends are seen with other fruit crops like pears and grapes, which are also expected to lose significant cultivable areas due to rising temperatures.
As a result, farmers are being forced to adapt to the changing climate by transitioning to tropical and subtropical crops. In southern regions like Jeju Island, tropical fruits such as mangoes, passion fruits, and kiwis are increasingly replacing temperate fruits. While this shift might seem like an opportunity for diversification, it comes with its own challenges. Many farmers are unaccustomed to growing tropical crops, which require different techniques, and there are also concerns about market demand and the profitability of these crops over the long term.
Moreover, extreme weather events—such as droughts, heavy rainfall, and typhoons—are becoming more frequent and severe, further threatening agricultural productivity. These events can cause sudden crop failures, leading to even greater supply shortages and price spikes in the market. For example, the heavy rains in 2023 led to severe damage to crops, significantly reducing yields and pushing up prices even further. These unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult for farmers to plan ahead, further undermining food security.
The agricultural shifts caused by climate change are not only reshaping South Korea’s domestic production but also contributing to the escalating food prices consumers face. The combination of lower yields from traditional crops and the slow transition to new crops has created a supply bottleneck, driving up costs across the board. As climate change continues to accelerate, these challenges are likely to become more severe, leaving South Korea’s agricultural sector in a precarious position.
In short, climate change is forcing South Korea to rethink its entire approach to agriculture. The current trajectory suggests that without significant adaptation measures, traditional farming in South Korea could become unsustainable, further exacerbating the nation’s food security issues.
How Soaring Costs Are Reshaping Korean Diets
The economic effects of South Korea’s food security crisis are already being felt by consumers, as rising prices for basic fruits and vegetables place additional strain on household budgets. The sharp price increases, driven by climate change, global supply chain disruptions, and declining domestic production, are significantly altering dietary habits across the country. For example, the cost of apples, a staple fruit in South Korean households, surged by 88.2% in 2024, while other fruits like pears and tangerines saw similar hikes. These price increases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of rising food costs that is reshaping the national diet.
The economic burden of these rising food costs disproportionately affects lower-income households, who are increasingly unable to afford fresh produce. As a result, fruit and vegetable consumption has plummeted across the country. A recent study by the Seoul Institute found that average daily fruit intake dropped by 33.2%, with vegetable consumption also significantly declining. This shift is particularly concerning as South Korea traditionally relies on a balanced diet rich in fresh produce to maintain public health.
The decline in fruit and vegetable consumption is contributing to a growing public health crisis. As more people turn to cheaper, processed foods in response to rising fresh food prices, chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are becoming more prevalent. In fact, experts have noted a direct correlation between the decrease in fresh food intake and the increase in health problems among South Korean adults. This dietary shift, along with the economic stress of rising food prices, has led to growing concerns about the long-term impact on the country’s overall health.
Additionally, younger generations, who are particularly affected by these economic pressures, are skipping meals more frequently. Studies show that breakfast skipping has become increasingly common among teenagers and young adults, further exacerbating nutritional deficiencies and contributing to the rise in lifestyle-related diseases. This trend is particularly troubling, as it suggests a long-term decline in the health and well-being of the country’s future workforce.
The rising cost of fresh produce, coupled with declining agricultural output, creates a vicious cycle that not only impacts the economy but also undermines the nation’s public health. The combination of poor nutrition and higher rates of chronic diseases puts additional strain on South Korea’s healthcare system, which must now contend with a growing population of individuals suffering from preventable conditions tied to diet.
As food prices continue to climb and fresh produce becomes less accessible to many South Koreans, the implications for public health are profound. Without significant intervention—both to stabilize food prices and promote healthier eating habits—the nation risks seeing a long-term deterioration in the health of its citizens, driven largely by economic and environmental factors.
A Critical Look at South Korea’s Food Policies
In the face of these mounting challenges, the South Korean government has made food security a national priority, launching various initiatives aimed at stabilizing the country’s food supply and reducing reliance on imports. The administration’s mid- to long-term strategy, unveiled in late 2022, sets ambitious goals to raise the country’s food self-sufficiency rate from 45.8% to 55.5% by 2027. The plan focuses on increasing domestic production of key grains such as wheat, soybeans, and rice, while also securing overseas supply chains to ensure a stable flow of imported food products. This includes expanding overseas grain elevators and enhancing infrastructure to handle larger volumes of imports more efficiently.
Key elements of this plan include the development of specialized production zones for grains like wheat and soybeans, as well as offering incentives to farmers who switch from rice to other critical crops. The government has also sought to boost food reserves and strategic imports by investing in overseas farmland and securing longer-term contracts with global grain suppliers. These measures are designed to shield the country from external shocks, such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has significantly disrupted the global grain market.
However, despite these efforts, the government’s approach has faced significant criticism from experts and industry stakeholders. One of the major critiques is that the focus on import diversification and overseas grain supply channels does not adequately address the underlying structural weaknesses of South Korea’s domestic agricultural sector. Critics argue that while securing overseas supply chains may provide short-term relief, it does little to resolve the long-term decline in domestic production capacity. The ongoing reduction in arable land and the aging farming population remain pressing concerns that threaten to undermine the country’s ability to produce food locally.
Another point of criticism lies in the government’s perceived lack of investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices. While the administration acknowledges the role of climate change in destabilizing food production, critics argue that more aggressive measures are needed to adapt domestic farming to the changing climate. For instance, many have called for a greater focus on developing sustainable farming technologies, such as precision agriculture, which could help maximize yields under less favorable conditions. Without such innovations, South Korea’s agricultural sector may continue to struggle with declining productivity and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Moreover, some experts contend that the government’s land management policies are insufficient to address the ongoing loss of farmland due to urbanization. While the government has set targets to reduce the rate of farmland loss, critics argue that more needs to be done to preserve and manage existing agricultural land, particularly in light of rising global food demand. Some suggest looking to countries like Japan, where robust land management frameworks help ensure that farmland is protected from urban sprawl and development.
While the government’s efforts to improve food security by increasing self-sufficiency and diversifying imports are steps in the right direction, there are legitimate concerns that these policies do not go far enough in addressing the structural issues that plague the domestic agricultural sector. Without stronger investment in domestic production and more comprehensive adaptation to climate change, South Korea’s food security may remain precarious in the years to come.
How Economic Pressure is Pushing South Koreans Toward Ultra-Processed Diets
As food prices continue to climb, particularly for fruits and vegetables, another concerning trend is emerging in South Korea: the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), especially among lower-income households and younger populations. This shift is largely driven by the growing cost of fresh, whole foods, which are becoming less accessible for many people. With UPFs being cheaper, more convenient, and readily available, they are filling a critical gap in the diets of those struggling to afford more nutritious options.
In recent years, South Korea has seen a surge in the consumption of processed foods, including instant noodles, snacks, sugary drinks, and fast foods. This shift is most pronounced in low-income communities where rising food prices force consumers to seek out inexpensive and filling options. Ultra-processed foods, which are typically high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, offer immediate satiety at a lower cost but come with long-term health risks. For many, particularly in the younger generation, these foods are becoming dietary staples as they offer quick, affordable meals in the face of economic pressures.
The widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods has serious implications for public health. These foods are often nutritionally poor, lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while being calorie-dense. This imbalance increases the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease—ailments that have been on the rise in South Korea as diets shift away from traditional, nutrient-rich foods.
A particularly worrying aspect of this shift is the growing health inequality between different socioeconomic groups. Wealthier households are still able to afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, maintaining a diet closer to the traditional Korean model, which is known for its health benefits. In contrast, low-income populations are increasingly relying on cheap, ultra-processed alternatives. This divide is not only contributing to a rise in chronic illnesses but is also placing an additional burden on the healthcare system, as those consuming less nutritious diets are more likely to develop health complications.
The effects of this dietary shift are particularly visible among younger people, including students and young professionals. Many in this demographic are turning to UPFs for their convenience and low cost, as they face the dual challenges of rising food prices and hectic lifestyles. The increased reliance on fast food, sugary beverages, and packaged snacks is contributing to nutritional deficiencies and increasing rates of childhood and adolescent obesity. These health issues, if left unaddressed, could have long-term consequences for South Korea’s healthcare system and workforce productivity.
What is increasingly evident is the emergence of a two-tier food system. On one hand, higher-income individuals have access to fresh, organic, and locally sourced foods, often shopping at premium markets and eating in healthier establishments. On the other hand, lower-income individuals, who are more impacted by rising prices, are left with affordable but unhealthy food options. This dietary divide is not unique to South Korea; it reflects global patterns where income inequality shapes not just purchasing power but also health outcomes.
If this trend continues, South Korea risks developing a deepening public health crisis, with increasing rates of chronic diseases among its lower-income population. The rise in metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension, could place an unsustainable strain on the country’s healthcare system in the coming decades. Moreover, the divergence in dietary habits may contribute to a widening health gap between the rich and poor, further entrenching social inequality.
Can the Government Combat the Threats of Climate and Rising Prices?
Addressing South Korea’s food security challenges and the growing public health crisis will require comprehensive, long-term strategies that go beyond short-term fixes. As rising prices for fresh produce push more people toward ultra-processed foods, and climate change continues to alter agricultural production, the country must adopt more sustainable agricultural policies and social safety nets to ensure that all citizens have access to healthy, nutritious food.
One of the most critical components of ensuring food security in South Korea is revitalizing domestic agriculture. The government has already set targets to raise the food self-sufficiency rate to 55.5% by 2027, but experts argue that more needs to be done to secure the country’s agricultural future.
As urbanization continues to shrink arable land, more aggressive efforts are needed to protect existing farmland from being repurposed for development. This could include stronger land management policies similar to Japan’s, where farmland is tightly regulated to ensure it remains available for food production.
The farming population in South Korea is aging rapidly, with fewer young people entering the sector. Incentivizing younger generations to take up farming through subsidies, education, and support for modern farming technologies could help reverse this trend and secure a stable future workforce in agriculture.
In addition, the government must invest in climate-resilient agriculture. This includes promoting sustainable farming techniques that can withstand extreme weather events, such as drought-resistant crops, advanced irrigation systems, and precision agriculture tools that allow farmers to maximize efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Ensuring that all citizens have access to fresh, nutritious foods should be a top priority. While ultra-processed foods are more accessible due to their low cost and long shelf life, the government can introduce policies to make fresh produce more affordable, particularly for low-income households. Potential solutions include:
By providing direct subsidies for fruits and vegetables, the government could lower prices for consumers, encouraging healthier eating habits. This could help reverse the decline in fruit and vegetable consumption that has been driven by rising prices.
Expanding government-run programs that provide fresh produce at discounted rates, particularly in low-income and rural areas, could ensure better access to healthy foods for populations that are most affected by rising prices.
Encouraging urban agriculture, such as rooftop gardens and community farms, could also help make fresh food more available in cities, reducing reliance on imports and the high costs of transporting produce from rural areas.
While economic measures are essential, public education about healthy eating and the dangers of relying on ultra-processed foods is equally important. The government can strengthen efforts to promote nutrition education, especially among younger generations who are most vulnerable to dietary shifts toward convenience foods. Key initiatives could include.
Introducing or expanding programs in schools that teach children about the benefits of fresh produce, how to prepare healthy meals, and the health risks associated with processed foods.
Nationwide campaigns could help raise awareness of the long-term health risks of ultra-processed foods. These could be similar to anti-smoking or sodium reduction campaigns that South Korea has implemented in the past, using media and public outreach to encourage healthier eating habits.
One of the more controversial but potentially effective solutions could be the introduction of a tax on ultra-processed foods, similar to the sugar taxes implemented in other countries like the U.K. and Mexico. By imposing taxes on high-sugar, high-fat processed foods, the government could discourage their consumption and use the revenue generated to fund subsidies for fresh produce and other public health initiatives. Such a policy could have a significant impact in reducing the consumption of harmful foods, particularly among low-income populations, while encouraging healthier choices.
While domestic measures are essential, South Korea will continue to rely on global food supply chains to meet its needs, particularly for grains and other staples. To reduce vulnerability to external shocks, such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict or climate-related disruptions, the government must focus on:
Expanding the range of countries from which South Korea imports food can help reduce dependence on any single supplier. This could include fostering trade relations with new partners in regions less affected by conflict or climate change.
As part of its food security strategy, South Korea has begun investing in overseas farmland and grain elevators to secure stable sources of food. Expanding these investments in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible will be key to ensuring a steady flow of imports without exacerbating global land use issues.
As South Korea faces a complex web of challenges related to food security, rising prices, and public health, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Strengthening domestic agriculture, increasing access to fresh foods, promoting nutrition education, and building resilient global supply chains are all critical to ensuring that South Koreans have access to the nutritious food they need for a healthy future. By addressing both the economic and environmental dimensions of the issue, the government can make strides toward a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.
